Rugby is the main sport for boys in St.Gerard’s. All boys begin their school year together at under 14 level with fitness and ball handling drills. There are scheduled fixtures from the beginning of September, and consist of both fifteen-a- side and 10-a- side development games. No pupil at this stage is will play these games if unsure about playing the game for the first time.
Safety is paramount, and all new skills and techniques are taught with this in mind. The pupil’s player-pathway in the school begins here and is delivered in such a manner so as to maximise player participation, and to nurture the understanding of all components of the game. With three squads at under 14, all pupils can play at a level they are comfortable with. Two of the squads play in leagues later in the year where the pupils play against other schools at an appropriate level.
The pupil’s player-pathway develops both individual and team skills throughout his six years in school. The school fields two squads at each age group and pupils can play at a level that they are comfortable with through under 15, 16 and 17 levels, and eventually senior rugby in Fifth and Sixth Year. Within this time the pupil will play against a whole array of different teams from all four provinces and indeed the UK and Canada. Away fixtures and overnight trips also enhances the pupil’s social skills, and offers experience and roles within a group dynamic.
Rugby in St. Gerard’s is played within a spectrum that caters for the individual at a standard from social rugby to competing with the best schools in Leinster, and indeed Ireland.
